Part 5/8:
Reports that injuries in baseball had surged, alongside trends observed from team doctors, pointed towards a direct correlation between heavy steroid use and injuries among players. The players’ union resisted calls for drug testing, citing privacy concerns and the fear of another work stoppage.
By the early 2000s, high-profile players like Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds became embroiled in steroid-related scandals, culminating in federal investigations and Congressional hearings. While some players, including Bonds, vehemently denied steroid use, the evidence mounted against them. This spiderweb of deception and denial served to taint the achievements of several legendary players.